Connecting OAuth in GoHighLevel and Troubleshooting Complex Scenarios
Background and Purpose
This SOP provides a step-by-step guide to connect OAuth in GoHighLevel at both the agency and sub-account levels, including solutions for common troubleshooting issues. This applies to agencies using the 297/497 GoHighLevel plans, managing multiple sub-accounts, or operating AI automation agencies.Benefits of Proper OAuth Configuration
- ✅ Seamless CRM integration with buildassistants.app
- ✅ Automated data synchronization across all sub-accounts
- ✅ Centralized management of multiple client accounts
- ✅ Reduced manual setup for new sub-accounts
- ✅ Reliable AI assistant functionality across all connected accounts
- ✅ Consistent user experience for all clients
Required Resources
Prerequisites
- GoHighLevel Login Credentials (Agency & Sub-Accounts)
- Incognito Browser or Standard Browser
- Access to Agency Settings and Sub-Account Marketplace
- Stable Internet Connection
- buildassistants.app account with OAuth capabilities
Account Requirements
- GoHighLevel 297/497 plan or higher
- Agency-level access for centralized management
- Sub-account permissions for direct connections
- Admin rights for OAuth configuration
OAuth Connection Methods
Method Overview
There are two primary approaches to OAuth connection:- Agency-Level Integration - Connects all sub-accounts under agency control
- Direct Connection - Individual sub-account connections for external or stubborn accounts
1. Agency-Level OAuth Integration
Purpose
Connect all sub-accounts within your agency through a centralized OAuth integration.Step-by-Step Process
Access Agency Settings
- Navigate to Agency-Level Settings
- Go to Home or Settings > Integrations
- Ensure you’re logged into the main agency account
Initiate OAuth Connection
- Click on the relevant OAuth option for buildassistants.app
- Log in when prompted (ensure credentials are correct)
- Grant all required permissions during the OAuth flow
Confirm Successful Connection
- Look for visual confirmation:
- Green link icon appears next to connected sub-accounts
- Connection status shows as “Active”
- OAuth scope includes all necessary permissions
Troubleshooting Agency-Level Issues
Connection Not Appearing:- Use incognito browser to eliminate cache issues
- Access platform directly through
app.gohighlevel.com
(not white-labeled domain) - Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try different browser if issues persist
- Verify agency permissions are sufficient
- Check sub-account ownership within agency
- Review OAuth scope for completeness
2. Sub-Account OAuth Integration
Purpose
Connect individual sub-accounts that belong to your agency but may not sync automatically.Identification Process
Check Sub-Account Status
- Log into the sub-account under the agency
- Look for indicators:
- Red banner stating “No Active CRM Connection”
- Missing integration in settings
- Error messages about connectivity
Agency-Level Connection Method
- Go to agency workspace in buildassistants.app
- Click “Connect Accounts”
- Select target sub-account from the list
- Wait for automatic synchronization
Success Indicators
- Red banner disappears from sub-account
- Green link icon appears in agency dashboard
- Integration status shows as “Connected”
Handling Stubborn Accounts
When Agency-Level Fails
Some sub-accounts may resist automatic connection. In these cases:- Log in directly to the problematic sub-account
- Navigate to Settings > Integrations
- Select “Connect to GHL (Direct Connection)”
- Complete OAuth flow for that specific account
Verification Steps
- Check connection status in both agency and sub-account views
- Test functionality with a simple API call
- Verify data synchronization is working correctly
3. Connecting Sub-Accounts Outside the Agency
Purpose
Connect sub-accounts that are not owned by your agency but require integration with buildassistants.app.When This Applies
- Client accounts from other agencies
- Transferred accounts with ownership changes
- External partnerships requiring integration
- Multi-agency collaboration scenarios
Direct Connection Process
Access External Account
- Go to
app.gohighlevel.com
- Log into the external sub-account using provided credentials
- Verify account access and permissions
Initiate Direct Connection
- Navigate to Settings > Integrations
- Click “Connect GHL (Direct Connection)”
- Important: Do NOT use agency-level integration for external accounts
OAuth Configuration
- Select the specific sub-account from OAuth popup
- Ensure correct account is highlighted
- Grant all required permissions
- Complete OAuth authorization flow
Confirmation
- Verify green link icon appears
- Test connection with buildassistants.app
- Confirm data access is working properly
4. Troubleshooting Complex OAuth Issues
Common Problem Scenarios
Accounts Refusing Connection
Symptoms:- OAuth flow fails repeatedly
- Connection appears successful but doesn’t work
- Intermittent connectivity issues
-
Verify account ownership:
- Check if sub-account belongs to your agency
- Confirm permissions are adequate
- Review account transfer history
-
Switch to Direct Connection:
- Use individual account login
- Bypass agency-level integration
- Complete OAuth flow directly
-
Check account status:
- Ensure account is active
- Verify subscription status
- Confirm no billing issues
Sub-Accounts Outside Agency Scope
Symptoms:- Account doesn’t appear in agency dashboard
- “Account not found” errors
- Permission denied messages
- Use Direct Connection method (Step 3 above)
- Verify external account credentials
- Confirm account owner permissions
- Check for account restrictions
”You Don’t Own This Account” Error
Common Causes:- Transferred accounts with incomplete ownership changes
- Shared accounts with multiple agency access
- Archived accounts that were reactivated
- Use Direct Connection instead of agency integration
- Verify current account ownership with GoHighLevel support
- Request proper account transfer if needed
- Check account permissions and roles
OAuth Token Issues
Symptoms:- Connection works initially but fails later
- Intermittent authentication errors
- “Token expired” messages
-
Refresh OAuth tokens:
- Go to Agency-Level Settings
- Find “Reset Connection” option
- Re-authorize OAuth connection
-
Clear cached tokens:
- Log out of all GoHighLevel accounts
- Clear browser cache
- Re-establish connections
-
Update OAuth scope:
- Ensure all required permissions are granted
- Check for new permission requirements
- Re-authorize with updated scope
Advanced Troubleshooting
Multiple Browser Testing
- Test with different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Use incognito/private mode to eliminate cache issues
- Disable browser extensions that might interfere
- Check for popup blockers preventing OAuth flow
Network and Connectivity
- Test with different internet connections
- Check firewall settings that might block OAuth
- Verify DNS resolution for GoHighLevel domains
- Test API connectivity independently
Account Verification
- Confirm account is in good standing
- Check subscription status and billing
- Verify no security restrictions on account
- Review recent account changes or transfers
Visual Connection Indicators
Success Indicators
- ✅ Green link icon next to sub-account name
- ✅ “Connected” status in integration settings
- ✅ Removal of red warning banners
- ✅ Successful API test calls
Failure Indicators
- ❌ Red banner stating “No Active CRM Connection”
- ❌ Missing green link icon
- ❌ Error messages in integration settings
- ❌ Failed API authentication
Definition of Done
The OAuth configuration process is complete when:- ✅ All relevant sub-accounts (agency and external) display a green link icon
- ✅ “No Active CRM Connection” banner is removed from all accounts
- ✅ Accounts are successfully connected via Agency or Direct OAuth Integration
- ✅ API connectivity is verified and functional
- ✅ Data synchronization is working correctly
- ✅ buildassistants.app functionality is fully operational across all connected accounts
Testing and Validation
Connection Testing
-
API Test Calls:
- Test basic account information retrieval
- Verify calendar access functionality
- Confirm contact management capabilities
-
Functionality Testing:
- Test AI assistant integration
- Verify workflow automation
- Confirm real-time data synchronization
-
Error Handling:
- Test with invalid requests
- Verify proper error messages
- Confirm graceful failure handling
Maintenance and Monitoring
Regular Maintenance
- Monthly OAuth token health checks
- Quarterly connection verification
- Monitor for authentication errors
- Update OAuth scope as needed
Monitoring Best Practices
- Set up alerts for connection failures
- Track API success rates
- Monitor authentication logs
- Document connection issues and resolutions
FAQ
What should I do if my OAuth fails repeatedly?
A: Use the Direct Connection method and verify account ownership. If issues persist, try using an incognito browser and accessing throughapp.gohighlevel.com
directly.
Can I connect a sub-account that is not owned by my agency?
A: Yes, use Direct Connection by logging into the external sub-account directly and completing the OAuth flow. Do not attempt agency-level integration for external accounts.What if I see “You Don’t Own This Account”?
A: This typically occurs with transferred accounts or shared access scenarios. Use the Direct Connection process and verify account ownership with GoHighLevel support if needed.How do I confirm a successful connection?
A: Look for the green link icon next to the sub-account, removal of red warning banners, and successful API test calls in buildassistants.app.How often do I need to refresh OAuth tokens?
A: OAuth tokens typically last 60-90 days, but connections should remain stable. Only refresh if experiencing authentication errors or connection failures.Can I connect multiple agencies to one buildassistants.app account?
A: Yes, but each agency requires separate OAuth configuration. Use Direct Connection for external agencies and Agency-Level Integration for your primary agency.Best Practices
Security Considerations
- Use strong, unique passwords for all GoHighLevel accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
- Regularly review OAuth permissions and scope
- Monitor access logs for unauthorized activity
Organizational Tips
- Document all connected accounts and their connection method
- Maintain a connection troubleshooting log
- Train team members on proper connection procedures
- Establish regular maintenance schedules
Performance Optimization
- Connect accounts during low-usage periods
- Test connections thoroughly before going live
- Monitor API rate limits and usage
- Implement proper error handling in integrations